Friday Night Lights kick off this weekend in the east alley behind businesses on the east side of Afton’s Washington Street between 4th Avenue (Maverik) and 5th Avenue (Advantage Plus Credit Union).  Vendors and food trucks will be available from 4-8 p.m.

“I am trying to create a consistent community tradition, something that will be a destination even for people outside the area to come and visit Afton and see what a great little town it is, with all of the businesses, but also give the local people something to do in the evenings throughout the summer,” said Christa Tidwell with Star Valley Events LLC, which is organizing the evening.

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Friday Night Lights is a series of entertainment and vending events planned for every Friday of the summer from May 22 through September 4, with June 6 (which is Mountain Days) and July 3 (the Freedom Festival) as the only Friday evenings that Friday Night Lights will not be offered.

“There will be different local vendors and different food trucks every week,” said Tidwell, who is inviting some food trucks “from out of town” to ensure variety throughout the summer series. “We’ll have Classic Cars. Anybody that’s got an old car or a new car that they love is welcome to bring their cars and show them off.”

Each weekend of the summer will offer a different form of entertainment, including live music, karaoke or DJ hosts. This weekend, the entertainment features live music by “Runaway Fire,” which, according to the event flyer, is an “original rock n’ roll band with a unique and fresh sound,” offering music that is “high energy, and uplifting, emotional and diverse.” Runaway Fire takes the stage from 6-8 p.m.

In support of community youth, Star Valley Events is offering a youth entrepreneurial program to youths that want to participate in the events as a vendor. Each youth entrepreneur is asked to complete a contract and pay a $5 deposit, which will be returned to them at the close of the evening if they follow through with setting up a booth and selling their products or items, showing that they are “serious about their business.” Tidwell has arranged for grants for a few of these youths, who have yet to be selected, that will be awarded at the conclusion of the season.

Community members are invited to come out each Friday evening, enjoy some music and entertainment, have a meal or treat, and do some shopping. “It’s been fun to put together,” said Tidwell. “I just hope the community enjoys it.”